Real Estate February 2015 ( Issue 18) by REAL|life

EX P ERIENCE T H E 5 S TAR H O UG HTON LIFESTYLE, F RO M R3,9 M I L L I ON

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ON SHOW DAILY Visit the latest apartments on Saturday and Sunday SHOW APARTMENT Unit 12018, The Houghton on the 12th 53 2nd Avenue, Houghton Office – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100 Email – alan@thehoughton.com

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Safe. Secure. Surrounded by nature.

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or some reason, the pace of life in February always surprises me. I’ve now learnt that with the feast of design and art events that turn Cape Town on its head in the last week of the month, it’s best to be prepared to set aside a few days or nights on your calendar (and book restaurant tables now). Why? Because riding on the wave of inspiration that comes from each of the events is one of the most thrilling ways to start a new year. It’s hard to believe that 2015 celebrates the 20th Design Indaba conference, while the Art Fair moves into its third year, this time with more international galleries than ever before and at a new venue: The Avenue, next to the One&Only at the V&A Waterfront. Also new is an Art Walk that extends from The Avenue to Chavonnes Battery, as well as an Art Route that includes galleries in the City Centre and Woodstock. And there’s more: I’m planning to attend the premiere of William Kentridge’s multimedia performance ‘Refuse the Hour’, not to mention the 100-plus etchings by Rembrandt on display at the Iziko Old Town House on Greenmarket Square and, of course, the Guild Design Fair at The Lookout. All this in one blow-out week! Equally exciting is the fact that our digital team has relaunched realestatemagazine.co.za and, on 6 February, we’re launching our newsletter. Simply subscribe on our website and we’ll soon be sharing our personal pick of hip happenings in your ’hood, along with giveaways we know you’ll love. Happy February!

REAL

Artwork ‘Voices on the Street’, Aquarelle collage by Bruce Clarke, Artco Gallery

ED’S LETTER

ESTATE

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CONTRIBUTORS

FEBRUARY 2015

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SALLY RUTHERFORD

DAVID ROSS

Freelance writer and editor Sally Rutherford indulged her passion for travel, interiors and lifestyle all in one go during a retreat to GraaffReinet (page 36). Based at the beautifully restored Drostdy Hotel, she found a town poised to become South Africa’s next Franschhoek. Opportunity abounds in this historic Karoo village, with its unspoilt architecture, down-to-earth community and creative spirit, all surrounded by some of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes and the Plains of the Camdeboo.

2015 is shaping up to be a busy year for David Ross. In March, the photographer’s ﬁrst book, Tashas Cookbook, will be released, as will a series of videos he’s working on for the Tashas brand. In addition, he is also involved in an interiors book for Perfect Hideaways and, as a creative release, is planning to export his signature handcrafed mobiles to Europe and the US. For this issue, he captured the refurbished Drostdy Hotel (page 36), falling in love with its new restaurant and art gallery.

Cover David Ross Photographs Lar Photography, supplied

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2015 9 WORD ON THE STREET 14 SHOW HOUSE This extraordinary beach house in Rooi Els is a modern masterpiece with a minimalist spirit and in the dreamiest of locations

36 DESTINATION UNCOVERED he newly refurbished Drostdy otel promises to be ust the beginning of a bright new future for raaff Reinet, as the em of the aroo is poised to graduate from a stop over spot to a travel destination in its own right

22 SPECIAL REPORT In an age in which everything we do is personalised, it follows that a one si e ﬁts all architectural format no longer works for our homes

44 WORK + LIVE + PLAY or a company dealing with the design and investment of corporate real estate, an ofﬁce space that oo es creativity was imperative

29 BATHROOM WRAP Slick, clean lined bathrooms are giving way to rich layers, ambience and te tures, making for the most lu urious of home sanctuaries

50 GOING GLOBAL Despite its diminutive si e, Skinny la Min ’s shop window is big on impact ust like this te tile design brand’s effect on the international scene

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54 MARKETPLACE All the news on the property development front 78 SUBURB FOCUS Somerset est is e periencing a wave of new development, much of it designed to honour both the area’s architecture and its natural wonders 86 GLOBAL BUY lobal ﬁnancial centre Shanghai has recently introduced measures to ease mortgage terms, making owning real estate here more attractive 88 DREAM HOME A magniﬁcent elle po ue villa on the rench Riviera to fuel your real estate fantasies.

Photographs Warren Heath/bureaux.co.za; David Ross

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WORD ON THE STREET Places to be and things to see in SA’s hippest ’hoods

Food

Naples comes to Bree

Words Genevieve Putter, Graham Wood and Michelle Snaddon Photographs Lar Photography, David Ross, supplied

Bocca – the new Bree Street locale and sister restaurant to the 2013 Eat Out Award’s Best Italian Restaurant, Buratta – is a treat for the senses. While the interiors, executed by Inhouse Brand Architects, are worthy of a Wallpaper magazine spread, the star of the show is indeed the Neopolitana pizza – a style of pizza native to Naples. One bite and you’ll understand why this new eatery is the talk of the town. While there, check out the pizza oven, which was custom made in the Italian city. bocca.co.za

LE CHAIM TO SEA POINT Kleinsky’s is the realisation of brothers Adam and Joel Klein’s dream of bringing a bit of New York to Sea Point by means of a classy Jewish deli. Think bagels, pickles and latkes but with a contemporary twist in the manner of smoked salmon and wasabi cream cheese bagels, or Nutella-stuffed rugelach. The venue is small but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with its sumptuous treats that aim to make Jewish food accessible to anyone, and designerchic cred, highlighted by the patterned woodclad counter, copper pendant lights and artful blackboard menu. facebook.com/kleinskys

SOME KIND OF BLUE

HEALTH ON THE MOVE One of our favourite wholesome eating spots, Ginkgo, has moved from Parkview to the historical house Villa d’Este on Jan Smuts Avenue, in the same premises as Camelot Spa. Still offering a selection of fresh, healthy, clean food featuring bright and light flavours inspired by southeast Asia and sourced with whole, organic and free range in mind, the eatery also hosts concerts and talks on its beautiful new deck. gingko.co.za

Tucked among some of Cape Town’s most sought-after heritage homes in the idyllic neighbourhood of Tamboerskloof is Blue Café, the new and improved incarnation of the much loved Daily Deli. Trading as a sidewalk café since 1904, its various owners and identities have, over the years, made it a favourite with Cape Town locals. With a strong focus on community, Blue Café buys most of its fresh produce locally from neighbours who grow their own, and it delivers breakfast, lunch and dinner to regulars in the area. Oh, and the food is sublime, with freshly baked goods, breakfasts and sandwiches as well as a small dinner menu on offer. thebluecafe.co.za

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Design GETTING AHEAD Head Interiors in Hyde Park might be best known as an interior-design consultancy, but its shop has been a design gem for some time. Recently treated to a revamp, it now includes a gift shop, making it a worthwhile stop for browsing for smaller items as well as larger furnishings and decor accessories. The gift shop is packed with luxurious niceties, from stationery to scarves and table linen. Turn to page 44 to see one of the design firm’s recent projects. headinteriors.co.za

Street sass It may be summer but if Henriette Botha’s new range of jewellery has anything to do with it, the city and its streets – and not the beach – are where it’s at. Aptly named Summer in the City SS15, the collection features brighter than bright colours interspersed with pastels, metallics and leather. So ditch the ﬂip-ﬂops, don your heels and paint the town… henriettebotha.com

COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS The Imbadu Collective aims to further the legacy of WDC2014 with a six-day incubation event for creatives who dream of making a career out of their artistic expression. A host of established artists and designers – including Atang Tshikare, Andile and Alexis Dyalvane of Imiso Ceramics, Trevor Stuurman and Ladumo Ngxokolo, among others – will be showcasing their work, collaborating and offering guidance to those seeking mentorship. 19 to 25 February, Guga S’Thebe Arts & Culture Centre, Langa. imbaducollective.co.za

AN ODE TO FREEDOM Jacques Coetzer’s ‘Open House’ is the winner of the Western Cape Government Public Art Competition celebrating 20 years of freedom and democracy. The artwork, which will be placed outside the provincial legislature at the corner of Dorp and Long streets, will be unveiled on 27 April. Coetzer’s whimsical installation – a triple-storey corrugated-iron ‘house’ with staircases to balconies on two levels – is inspired by corrugated-metal structures, RDP homes and the facades of Long Street’s buildings. It is set to provide an open platform for artistic expression and freedom of speech: its balconies will play host to open-mic poetry sessions, talks by international dignitaries, theatre productions and more. It’s also the perfect spot to feel the pulse of city life while you’re on your lunch break. westerncape.gov.za.

FEBRUARY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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WORD ON THE STREET

BLUE VALENTINE

Homebound design

It may be the month of love, when red and pink tones supposedly reign supreme, but we have our eye on new fabrics with romantic and ever-stylish blue-and-white patterning. Above, Hunt Ink from Hertex’s Impressionist Range (R866/metre) and, below, the Silk and Cotton Company’s Indigo range (from R423/metre to R878/metre). hertex.co.za; silkco.co.za

Southern Guild, Africa’s premier design showcase, now has a permanent gallery among some of Cape Town’s heavyweight art and design establishments, in Lewin Street, Woodstock: Goodman Gallery and Stevenson Gallery are up the road in Sir Lowry Road, while there are numerous smaller galleries and design showrooms scattered around the neighbourhood. The inaugural exhibition, called Homecoming, opened last year and will be running until 10 February. southernguild.co.za

MOTOR TRIBE The café-racer scene is alive and revving in Cape Town, especially with the recent opening of the Donford BMW Motorrad, a combined café/showroom featuring some of BMW’s iconic motorcycles as well a beautifully designed Tribe Coffee outlet. The edgy, masculine café has been designed by Tribe Coffee owners Jake Easton and Kate Nero in collaboration with Michelle Tromborn of Design Quarters, and offers an ode to these beautiful machines in the form of eccentric details such as pendant light fittings fashioned from motorcycle engine parts and a glass-topped coffee table supported by two iconic 1200cc Boxer engines. tribecoffee.co.za

ACOUSTIC ALERT While the credentials of the Zero 1 sound system (subwoofers, digital processors and six power amps with a total of 1 000 watts, to name a few) will impress any sound enthusiast, those who also appreciate beautiful things will find that it’s the form of this digital all-in-one horn-speaker that truly mesmerises. (Not to mention the fact that it’s able to operate wirelessly, too.) Available locally through 13 on Hof Gallery. 13hof.co.za

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WORD ON THE STREET

MAKE A WISH Needing a few nights’ accommodation in Cape Town but would prefer an urban city stay to a beachfront one? Check out trendy Woodstock’s incredibly stylish and charmingly quirky Wish U Were Here Guesthouse. Staying a night or two in this urban sanctuary will give you a whole new perspective of the Mother City. wishuwereherecapetown.com

Travel

Sensual Sandibe

We knew the newly reopened andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge would wow with this exciting new concept, but its organic pangolin-inspired design is nothing short of spectacular. Just 12 intimate suites are set among gnarled fig and wild palm trees and surrounded by golden-grassed floodplains, offering unforgettable Delta channel views. Indulge in a massage at the open-air massage sala after game viewing or enjoy your own private plunge pool in a suite that you’ll be hard pressed to leave. Who needs to go on every game drive anyway? But for those who do, this private concession has exclusive traversing rights over 22 500 hectares of wilderness adjacent to Moremi. andbeyond.com

< BOSCHENDAL’S HISTORIC HIDEAWAY As you drive up to the top of the avenue of yellowwoods towards the recently restored and redecorated Rhodes Cottage nestled under ancient oaks and overlooked by the impressive Simonsberg mountain, a sense of utter peacefulness descends. In summer, a sea of blooming hydrangeas in the prettiest vintage shades greets guests and its colonial-style stoep beckons. Once indoors, it’s easy to understand why Cecil John Rhodes loved this Herbert Bakerdesigned cottage, with its expansive views of the surrounding mountains and beautifully curated interiors, so much. It’s a tranquil sanctuary, and walks, mountain-bike rides, fishing in the trout dam above and meals under the stars or swims in either of its two pools (kids love the eco pool) are the order of the day. What’s unique about this National Heritage Site is its relaxed ambience, making it the perfect weekend getaway. The main cottage sleeps six, and the garden annex sleeps four. It has satellite TV, air conditioning and WiFi, is serviced daily and includes breakfast... but there is also a host of places to eat on the estate. The new deli offers a light menu, and we’re eagerly awaiting the launch of The Werf, Boschendal’s new restaurant, in the original cellar of the Manor House. Contact accommodation@boschendal. co.za, 021 870 4290, boschendal.com

FEBRUARY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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PROPERTY RATES CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES ARE A ‘BIG DEAL’ Many sellers and purchasers of property express frustration with the delays in property transactions occasioned by the requirement to obtain a rates clearance certificate (RCC) before transfer can be registered. Why is the certificate necessary and why does it cause delays? WHY IS A RCC NECESSARY IN A PROPERTY TRANSFER? Simply because the Deeds Registries Act prohibits the Registrar from passing transfer without such certificate. This is favourable to a purchaser as it confirms that the rates for the 24 months preceding transfer have been paid in full. But in practice this requirement is also to blame for many of the delays in transfer transactions - predominantly due to persistent system problems at the local authorities themselves. HOW THE RCC IS OBTAINED When a property is sold, the conveyancer applies to the municipality for the issue of ‘rates clearance figures’, and after payment of the due amount as well

certain advance rates (for the period pending transfer), the RCC is issued. The conveyancer collects the money from the seller. Note importantly that the seller must pay the assessment figure to the conveyancer who will submit it together with any other requirements to the municipality. Due to system interruptions with allocating payments, many unnecessary delays are occasioned if sellers themselves pay the assessment amount directly to the municipality. OVER-PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS After transfer the municipality’s rates department will process any possible refund and return the payment to

the seller. Generally this does not happen automatically and the seller must apply to the municipality first - and then be patient, as it often takes the municipality several months to update its records and to process the refund. Similarly, the purchaser may wait a few months before he receives his first rates and taxes bill in respect of the new property. In addition, the purchaser may need to apply to the municipality to open his own electricity account if the account changeover is not automatically dealt with. For a smooth-sailing transaction, contact the property law experts for assistance when deciding to sell your home at info@stbb.co.za.

WHEN IT COMES TO HOME OWNERSHIP, LET OUR FAMILY LOOK OUT FOR YOURS

MORE THAN JUST THE PAPER WORK

ROCK STAR A MOMENT FROM THE SHORELINE, SURROUNDED BY THE ATLANTIC ON THREE SIDES, THIS EXTRAORDINARY BEACH HOUSE IS A MODERN MASTERPIECE WITH A MINIMALIST SPIRIT AND A DREAM LOCATION Text Vanessa McCulloch/bureaux.co.za Production Sven Alberding/bureaux.co.za Photographs Warren Heath/bureaux.co.za

FEBRUARY 2015

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SHOW HOUSE

THIS PICTURE The materials used to construct the beach house achieve a harmonious balance. ‘The glass is for transparency, timber is for warmth both internally and externally, and the concrete in its raw form is resilience’ OPPOSITE Rather than being embedded in the ground, the design of the house means that it seems to float above it

here is something about the idea of a beach house that tugs at the soul. And perhaps there is nowhere more poetic than the estern ape’s coastline with its startling beauty rugged mountains, dramatic seas and beaches of such wilderness that you imagine they have always been there, since the beginning of time. Driving along the winding coastal road, you see the house long before you reach it. hile comfortable in its nature reserve surroundings, there is an undeniable ames ond wow factor. Set on its own north facing peninsula among the dunes of the small village of Rooi ls, this marvel of design takes the beach house genre to new territories. ark inside the garage set under the dunes, walk across the giant, oating granite slabs and your anticipation mounts until you’re standing at the entrance, astounded. lass on all four sides, with automated shutters that close at the touch of a keypad the entire house opens up onto the deck. he surrounding landscape isn’t a separate element but becomes part of the house an e panse of sky, the sea stretching into the distance, with the mountains standing ﬁrm beside you and ha ily sketched on the hori on. Architect eorge lphick and the owner, friends for many years, had big ideas right from the get go. And like all great ideas, theirs came to life over a good lunch. Armed with a pen and a paper napkin, they drew up a sketch that was ust the beginning of a four year pro ect. e wanted to create a building that captured a uni ue holiday e perience, embracing its remarkable location,’ says lphick. Mission accomplished this house is certainly uni ue. ooking out across the kaleidoscopic waters of alse ay, with not a neighbour in sight, the property is anked by the ocean on three sides. It’s not unusual during whale season to see Southern Right whales from both sides of the house. In all elements of the design, simplicity is king. Maintaining a minimal environmental footprint was a key consideration. hat’s why the house oats above the site rather than being embedded in it,’ notes its architect. e’s right there is an airiness to the design. ot a single brick was used, and the steel structure an unusual choice for a beach house was chosen to generate lightness’. he simple interiors ash wood, plenty of glass, screed oors are the perfect partner for the setting. After all, with this kind of beauty on your doorstep why have any distractions he entertainment room, wine cellar, gym and sauna are all placed downstairs upstairs there are no diversions. It’s the ultimate, enlike space for summer downtime. ngaging in this level of minimalism is not usual with clients,’ admits lphick.

ike a character from sci ﬁ ick he Matri , the interior has space altering powers. he owner, who spent a year studying architecture, lived in apan and was inspired by the modular design of tatami mats and sho i screens that enable spaces to be linked and separated. ne moment the entire house is an e tended open space the ne t, screens slide forward to break up the room into separate sections of living area and four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. hanks to the slender banana’ design of the roof, angklip Mountain is visible from any interior space. hat’s why the roof is shaped like that,’ says lphick. It’s lifting its skirt towards the mountains.’ he design pi ce de r sistance is the automated shutters that wrap around the house. hey swing up to a degree angle, offering shade and uninterrupted views when down, they lock to provide security meaning you can lie in bed with all the doors open, feel the sea bree e, listen to the waves and be secure at the same time. lphick’s favourite part of the design is the intangible. It’s the space rather than the thing,’ he e plains. hen the building is completely open and all the screens are hidden away that for me is the tour de force of the design.’ e admits that it could be difﬁcult to live in a building with this level of openness full time but this home is not for day to day life. It’s geared around the vision of a beautiful hot ape summer with everything open and naturally ventilated. hen it’s like sitting underneath an umbrella on the beach.’ or those magical summer days, it’s a truly remarkable single space beach house. Elphick Proome Architects, eparch.co.za

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SHOW HOUSE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The house is set on its own peninsula in Rooi Els, a small coastal village, looking out across the moody waters of the Atlantic in False Bay. It has 270-degrees of sea views, with the ocean on three sides of the house; the Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the most diverse in the world. As part of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve runs directly in front of the property, with unique flora and fauna that occur only in that specific region close to the shoreline, it was crucial to tread lightly; the courtyard and the design of the barbecue are in line with the minimalist spirit of the house; nothing says a South African summer quite like a crayfish on the braai, and Rooi Els is a popular crayfishing spot (licence required of course).

FEBURARY 2015

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Due to its nature reserve location, the house was intended to be a gentle presence rather than a grand statement. Steel – an unusual choice for a beach house – was used for the main structure, one of the reasons being that the building has large cantilevered decks and needed a very light roof. To protect the steel from the elements (this isn’t called the Cape of Storms for nothing) a unique galvanising and coating technique was used – the first time ever attempted in South Africa. ‘It was a risk but it paid off!’ says the architect

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SHOW HOUSE

The deck is a dreamy place to lie back and soak up the in-your-face grandeur of the natural surroundings. The colour palette of the house reflects the natural tones of the nature reserve – a man-made extension of the landscape

FEBRUARY 2015

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FEBRUARY

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SHOW HOUSE

The main bedroom and bathroom: a combination of glass, ash wood and ocean views. Apart from the sanitaryware, everything in the house is bespoke. The bathrooms are automated and run off a specific keypad: there are no taps or light switches and the loo has automatic lights

FEBRUARY 2015

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RIGHT This is a house that adapts to your holiday needs and your guest list. At its most simple, the interior can form one large open-plan space; alternatively, specially designed doors can slide into place to create four bedrooms in total (each with its own bathroom) BELOW LEFT Details rule in this home: if you look at the strips of wood used for the furniture – from beds to cupboards to the walls – they all have the same grain and are the same length and width throughout the entire house No plugs or sockets are visible in the house, not even in the kitchen – they are all tucked away behind touch-press cabinetry BELOW RIGHT Automated shutters rise to a 90-degree angle to provide shade along the deck. Alex Wheeler, whose company makes mechanical items for movie sets, was behind the engineering of the concealed mechanisms that lift each of the 300kg, 2,4m-tall panels

ON SALE o view this property online, visit the Ac uire Africa website on ac uireafrica.com. Asking price is R million.

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OUTSIDE THE BOX CHANGING LIFESTYLE DEMANDS ARE PROMPTING NEW SPACE DYNAMICS AND FLEXIBLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS. JULIA FREEMANTLE INVESTIGATES

Photographs Bram Janssen, Adam Letch, Javier de Paz García (estudioballoon.es), supplied

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SPECIAL REPORT

o more accurate or telling a representation is there of our social climate than the spaces in which we live. Current shifts in how we live are altering where we live, with the focus increasingly on personal, customisable solutions, and a greater connection with, and awareness of, the environment. Frank Lloyd Wright, visionary architect of the 20th century who was so ahead of his time that his principles are still practised today, said that every great architect ‘must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age.’ In an age where everything we do is personalised to re ect who we are, it follows that our homes should be as adaptable, and a one si e ﬁts all format in an age of non nuclear families and conscious consumers is no longer serving our lifestyle needs. Instead we’re seeing versatility and sustainability as the ideals architects are striving for. Why? Because our lifestyles, economic pressure and the environment simply demand it. Accordingly, architects are answering the challenges posed

by the changing world with innovative solutions that meet these demands on both a practical and an aesthetic level and it’s where these two meet that great design happens.

GREEN DESIGN Wright was also ahead of his time on the point of the environment – he advocated for design that enhanced its surroundings, homes that bettered the spaces they were in. This organic approach, while more for different, aesthetic reasons at the time, is intensifying as an awareness of our impact on the environment becomes almost a prerequisite for design, and even something to shout about. As a result, instead of hiding green ness’, many architects are e aggerating these features to become design elements in themselves. ake, for e ample, S ﬁrm Mell Lawrence Architects (architecturalpolka.com), whose low-energy guesthouse ‘Modd Cott on the ake’, a study in clever, compact living, opens to the outdoors by way of hatches. Its compact modular design makes use of solar

ABOVE Drawing attention to its eco attributes rather than tucking them away, this home by S firm MLA emphasises the practicality of its design via hardy, industrial materials OPPOSITE The retractable walls in this beach home designed by Michele Sandilands Architects eliminate barriers between inside and out to create a window seat that s virtually on the deck

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SPECIAL REPORT

energy, rainwater is collected, and galvanised metal, timber and a pared-down industrial aesthetic are conscious references to simple, low-impact living. Locally, Ecomo homes (ecomohome.com) offer a similar idea: prefab, light on the earth, time efficient designs that come in different permutations. But this awareness of environment is not being e pressed only in such an overtly eco conscious way – it also takes the form of resourcefulness, reuse and recycling. Enrico Daffonchio Architects (daffonchio.co.za) – a Johannesburg outfit whose awareness of site and conte t has prompted some really innovative spaces – played a central role in the development of the city’s now iconic and much praised Maboneng district, which, architecturally speaking, consists of a collection of renovated urban sites. These include Revolution House, a building entirely rejuvenated from a derelict condition, whose e isting structure was retrofitted for upmarket

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residential use, keeping the footprint light. In terms of trends, this development also ticks another bo nontraditional use of space, mi ing apartments and ofﬁces in the same buildings for a new take on city life. ‘Versatile spaces add to the dynamic e perience of urban living,’ comments Daffonchio.

MULTIPURPOSE OPENPLAN SPACES Mi ed use spaces take the form, too, of open plan living, where multiple activities can happen in the same area, and rooms can adapt accordingly. Once again, this is something that Wright foresaw many decades before it became the norm or even the ideal – he believed, too, that fewer, larger rooms facilitated better ow. This trend has in turn given rise to the need for architectural devices that divide spaces without blocking light or air and facilitate privacy when

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needed. Permeable screens, rooms within rooms and sunken spaces are all ways in which architects combat these challenges within the framework of a brief for open-plan living. In a Greg Wright Architects (gwarchitects.co.za) home in lettenberg ay, the ﬁrm made clever use of different ooring materials to demarcate areas, installed a series of parallel timber planks from oor to ceiling as room dividers’ and took advantage of staggered levels to create separate zones. ‘The steep site offered room to e periment with different levels in order to create different living areas,’ comments reg Scott, who worked on the project along with Liana Abate and Mark Bardon. In this kind of space, where everything is out in the open, aesthetics are important and design features that hide mess are essential – so elements such as handle-free cupboards, hidden storage and unfussy ﬁnishes play a practical role as well as being part of the visual language.

COMPACT HOMES racticality, while not a se y concept, is one of the most important considerations (within aesthetically pleasing limits) that are shaping design today. Prohibitive costs of owning property and building a home mean that many architects are being tasked with doing more with less. Compact homes dictate that rooms often serve more than one role – guest room becomes office, living rooms double as bedrooms, and so on. PKMN Architects (pkmn.es), a company in Spain that focuses specifically on urban environments, developed the All I Own House specifically to address space constraints in the city. It’s an e cellent e ample of how a small space can transform according to its inhabitants' needs. ‘Through a carefully custom-made design, and the combination of carpentry and a simple industrial-railing system, all the space in the house is arranged through three wooden, suspended, mobile and transformable containers

A Architect nrico affonchio played a pivotal role in reshaping the approach to urban lifestyle in oburg s aboneng recinct, renovating and retrofitting existing derelict spaces to transform them into apartments and offices OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A fold-away bed is not a novel concept, but with contemporary design elements and slick finishes, it becomes a desirable and attainable solution for small-space living; timber ‘partitions in this reg right Architects house in lettenberg ay serve as subtle divisions within the larger open-plan living and expansive verandah areas

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SPECIAL REPORT

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GSQUARED ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS SPECIAL PROMOTION

‘Ultimate flexibility of space is achieved with sliding doors that disappear within the walls and open up entertainment spaces to the garden. Living rooms become the patio and can be used throughout the seasons’

that can be rearranged in just a few seconds, thus enabling inﬁnite homes within a house,’ e plains founder nri ue spinosa. This interpretation of open-plan living is something we’ll be seeing more often as population increases put pressure on the ﬁnite amount of space available to us.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR

A A A Spanish firm Architects designed this ultracompact home in adrid with modular wooden units suspended from the ceiling that slide, fold out and adapt according to the owner s needs In sync with an indoor-outdoor lifestyle imperative, here Enrico Daffonchio Architects has created a strong relationship between the living spaces and the garden and entertaining areas

Open-plan living, more often than not, goes hand in hand with outdoor living and a nod to the climate- and outdoor-orientated lifestyle, an ideal that is particularly prevalent in South African architecture. Homes are planned with the garden, entertaining and pool areas as part of the design, rather than an e ternal factor or afterthought. Firms like Greg Wright Architects take this even further by harnessing the setting through design – evident in a home in an entirely outward-facing Camps Bay home. Here Greg Wright and Federico Pastor made the site the hero, and living spaces were elevated to take advantage of the city perspective, with even the pool situated with ma imum access to the views. An Enrico Daffonchio home in Hyde Park in Johannesburg shows this relationship to striking effect – its open-plan living space is designed with access to the garden from both sides. Fully retractable doors mean that the room is entirely open, eliminating the division between inside and out. ltimate e ibility of space is achieved with sliding doors that disappear within the walls and open up entertainment spaces to the garden. Living rooms become the patio and can be used throughout the seasons,’ says Daffonchio. In essence, you can have the best of both worlds. And this, then, is the underlying idea in architecture going forward – design can be tailored to your lifestyle, right down to the ﬁnest detail.

RENATO GRACA IN CONVERSATION ‘An acknowledgement of the connection between a home and its environment is one of the biggest architectural mind-set changes we’ve seen in the last few years,’ says Renato Graca of GSquared Architecture and Interiors, a local firm handling residential and interior projects, and for whose young members site reigns supreme. arnessing the environment’s assets to better serve practical considerations ust makes good sense,’ continues raca. ‘Aspects like the movement of the sun and direction of the wind are important to a home’s efficiency, for instance, and are being written into the design right from the start.’ People no longer shy away from the purely functional aspects of their homes, says Graca. ‘Utilitarianism is coming out of the closet, and tanks, pipes and conduits are being celebrated for e actly what they are pure and simple services.’ either do they hesitate to use every square inch of available space, including under staircases and oors and in roofs. Space is valuable real estate, and residential design is all about efficiency, be it clever storage solutions or multitasking furnishings,’ he e plains, adding that changing technology is also shaping the future of architecture. ‘All buildings in South Africa now need to meet energy-compliancy regulations, and we’re seeing things like performance glass and solar panels becoming important design elements in their own right.’ Homes are further evolving with societal changes, says Graca. ‘Think of glass walls that become opaque at the touch of a button. We live in a world where instant is the accepted norm, and homes increasingly re ect this.’ gsquared.co.za

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CLASSIFIEDS

IN THE DETAIL Showcase your decor here

FOR THE PERFECT AD PLACEMENT, SPEAK TO OUR SALES TEAM. SEE PAGE 4 FOR CONTACT DETAILS.

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BATHROOMS

BATHROOM WRAP OUR PREVIOUS BATHROOM FEATURE (IN JULY 2014) SAW AN AESTHETIC OF SLICK, UNCLUTTERED AND CLEAN-LINED BATHROOMS. WHILE MANY OF THESE TRENDS REMAIN SPOT ON, THE IDEA OF A RICHLY LAYERED, AMBIENT AND TEXTURED BATHROOM SPACE HAS BEEN HOTTING UP Compiled by Genevieve Putter Production Luanne Toms/Frank Features, Kerryn Fischer/Frank Features Photographs Polly Wreford/Navalis Images, Sean Laurenz/Frank Features, Warren Heath/Frank Features, Elsa Young/Frank Features and supplied.

01 COOL WHEELS What could be cooler than using an old bicycle as the support for a basin, with the basket providing storage space for hand towels, soap and hand lotion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just make sure you get the bike refurbished and fitted properly. This bike-cum-basin combo can be ordered through Victorian Bathrooms (victorianbathrooms.co.za) and comprises a Pashley bicycle, fitted with a 600mm basin from the British bathroom company Arcade Bathrooms (arcadebathrooms.com).

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BATHROOM TRENDS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;More and more people want to be surrounded by extraordinary designer products in their homes that express their individuality. To satisfy this growing trend, designers and manufacturers seek to create everyday functional items out of unusual and different materials, such as marble and Duralight all in a variety of colours and finishesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Yaniv Belinky, Tapitalia

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02 SHINE ON The Accademia range of bath and sanitaryware, by Italian bathroom design company Teuco (teuco.com), is the embodiment of luxury. With the strikingly shaped baths in marble or Duralight and taps plated in a gold finish, a bathroom decked out with these fittings would be hard to leave. What’s more, the items in the range can be customised in terms of colours and patterns, making them bespoke, the ultimate feature of luxury. Available locally through Tapitalia (tapitalia.co.za).

03 IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS This bathroom fitted with Villeroy & Boch’s Subway 2.0 sculptural range of taps, mixers and handrails is a great example of how to add a sense of luxury to a smaller bathroom. Sculptural taps have curved and seamless edges that make them ergonomic and beg to be touched. Gold detailing in the wall tiles adds a further element of bling; Kenzan Tiles’ glazed metallic ceramic tiles, Fascia Onda Oro from the Sunshine Range, are a good option if you want to achieve this look (kenzantiles.co.za).

A WORD ON TILES Liza Watermeyer of Tile Africa says that a big trend to look out for in tiling is Modern Metro: ‘Inspiration is drawn from sophisticated city life, where tiles are minimalist, masculine and monochrome with subtle geometric prints derived from metallic tooling and textile weaves,’ she says.

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04 & 05 WHEN DARKNESS REIGNS The bathrooms at the famed Satyagraha House, Ghandi’s former residence in Johannesburg, feature earthy tones contrasted with bold matt-black quartz basins from Dado Baths (dadobaths.co.za) as well as worn brass taps and spouts. The sophisticated effect derives from keeping everything to a minimum. For brass and copper taps, Victorian Side Bathrooms (victoriansidebathrooms. co.za) has a host of different styles as part of its VicSide range.

Q&A: SIOBHAN THOMAS OF S A R MI RI RS

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CURRENT TRENDS IN BATHROOM DESIGN THAT ARE POPULAR LOCALLY? A: Designers are loving coloured as well as black and white taps, which have been quite hard to find. One of the brands we stock, Dornbracht, supplies both white and black taps. Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN EMBARKING ON A BATHROOM REDESIGN, OR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ONE? A: n On a new build the biggest thing is the technical aspect of the freestanding bath and shower channels. This is because freestanding baths can be a problem if the builder hasn’t been advised in advance and therefore plans the space incorrectly. n On a renovation the plumber should be consulted upfront to check that there is balanced water pressure, and it is important that the plumber actually tests for high water pressure, otherwise you could be in for unbudgeted costs – it is not enough just to look and guess. n If you decide to renovate the bathroom, then the whole room needs to be done, as it does not work to replace just some elements of a bathroom. n The plumber must check the toilet height and the positioning of the waste pipes, which often cannot be adjusted or changed. Everyone wants concealed-system wall-hung pans, but this option is not always simple if their positioning is incorrect. Q: WHAT ABOUT TRENDS IN SANITARYWARE? A: Black toilets and black taps have become very popular; so too have taps in rose gold or cyprium, such as Dornbracht’s Mem range (06, pictured right, shows the Mem Deck Mounted Basin Spout from Dornbracht in Cyprium). Cyprium looks like copper, and basins and light fittings in this material are also on trend. flushbathroom.co.za

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BATHROOM TRENDS

07 BATHROOM BOLTHOLE While raising the bath and its surround off the floor creates a sense of drama, the graphic terrazzo tiles, metal shelves displaying a host of beautiful glass and ceramic vases, books and paintings all contribute to this furnished bathroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambience of a relaxing sanctuary where you can retreat from the troubles of the day.

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09 10 08 PRETTY AS A PATTERN Patterned tiles are one of the trends we can’t get enough of at the moment. They add a delightful aesthetic to any space in need of a bit of character. In this narrow bathroom, the large pattern on the tiles creates the illusion that the area is larger. Adding further character is the purple-painted base of the ball-and-claw pedestal bath. GET THE LOOK Italcotto’s Memory of Cerim range of decorative tiles is at the top of our favourites’ list. The geometric retro patterns in muted, natural tones can be mixed and matched to create an eyecatching feature on any wall or floor (italcotto.co.za).

10 AWASH WITH DRAMA The thing about dark bathrooms is that they have loads of ambience while at the same time creating a sense of cocooning and comfort. In this bathroom, moody black tiles used throughout are complemented by the kiaat wood cabinets and a copy of a Renaissance painting that the owner picked up on a trip to China. When it comes to bathrooms, black is definitely back!

‘Digital printing technology allows for incredible detail and variety, which enables tile manufacturers to produce very lifelike tiles with the most beautiful designs or textured looks’ – Lisa Millibacher of Bespoke Bathrooms (bespokebathrooms.co.za)

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BATHROOM TRENDS

11 09 & 11 THAT DELFTY FEELING The beauty and elegance of a Delft aesthetic will always be timeless. In the en-suite bathroom on the left (09), a Delft-patterned basin serves as a focal point that contrasts beautifully with the raw wood countertop and shelf. The enchanting bathroom in this picture (11) evokes a Greek island aesthetic. It’s impact derives from its romantic yet minimalist duality, evident in every detail – from the worn wooden floors to the ball-and-claw bath to the ornate chandelier and the whitewashed wall with its recessed alcoves that serve as bathroom shelves. The Delft-blue accents provide the perfect Aegean finishing touch. GET THE LOOK Head to @home’s new Sleep Shop at the Bryanston Shopping Centre in Jozi, where you’ll find everything you need to create a luxurious sleep and bath sanctuary. We’re particularly fond of their ombre bath towels in mint green and blue.

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KAROO OASIS The newly refurbished Drostdy Hotel promises to be just the beginning of a ri h ne u ure or r - eine , as the Gem of the Karoo is poised o r du e ro s op-o er spo o r el des in ion in i s o n ri h Text Sally Rutherford Photographs David Ross

s you approach Graaff-Reinet by road through the endless plains of the Great Karoo, you cross the vast heart of South Africa. The scrubby vlaktes stretching as far as the eye can see are punctuated by the at topped koppies that inspired so many of JH Pierneef’s archetypal landscape paintings. While most travellers hurry through the ostensibly arid, barren expanse en route from the interior to the coast and back, it is the lucky few who slow down that feel the slow, steady pulse of life in South Africa’s subtly beautiful heartland. It is the 45-metre-tall spire of the Dutch Reformed Church – a dramatic, neo-gothic sandstone masterpiece inspired by Salisbury Cathedral – that lets you know you’re about to arrive in the historic town, a Karoo gem packed with more heritage sites (over 220) than anywhere else in South Africa. But fear not: Graaff-Reinet is far from a living museum. And unlike so many

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well-preserved historic villages, it’s not a tourist trap with twee cottages frozen in time for the pleasure of visitors, despite the ouma enjoying the cool of the evening on her broekie-lacetrimmed stoep, who – but for her jeans and bright purple T-shirt – could have been in situ since her house was built in the mid 19th century. Despite the architecture of the Cape Dutch, Victorian and Karoo houses that line the streets being passionately protected by the residents who live in them (and by planning protocols), these are real homes occupied by real people. Tucked strategically in a deep, fertile horseshoe bend in the Sundays River and overlooked by Spandau’s Kop, South Africa’s fourth oldest town is entirely surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, a glorious 19 450-hectare reserve that captures the essence of the Karoo. The Valley of Desolation contains possibly the most hauntingly beautiful viewpoint in all of South Africa: just 15 steep kilometres out of town you

will ﬁnd the massive dolerite pillars that tower over the plains beyond. Don’t miss Obesa Nursery (obesanursery.com), the world’s biggest cactus nursery which is home to about 7 000 species – the awe-inspiring labyrinth is a must-do. For fascinating inside information and insight into the town, and the Karoo, engage the services of supremely knowledgeable local tour guide David McNaughton (karooconnections.com), who also happens to be an estate agent for Seeff. He explains that it was the unruly behaviour of the early trekboers on this wild frontier that encouraged the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to establish the Drostdy of Graaff-Reinet in 1786. And it is this Drostdy that has the town poised on the brink of a new revival. A striking example of Cape Dutch architecture, the original magistrate’s court was built in 1806 as the local seat of government and residence for the landdrost. It was eventually converted to a hotel in 1878 – making it one of SA’s oldest. This illustrious history is immediately evident when you enter the Drostdy Hotel’s cool, serene interior, where every effort has been made to honour the past while accommodating every luxury the contemporary tourist would expect. Sensitively refurbished and expanded by a team that included DHK Architects and renowned interior designer Stephen Falcke, today’s Drostdy Hotel is a delightful Karoo oasis. The hotel complex is a historic country village in itself, comprising the original Drostdy; Stretch’s Court, a cobbled street of refurbished cottages that were originally built to house emancipated slaves and is anked by the hotel’s main swimming pool Ferreira House, a luxurious home from home with its own sitting rooms and pool; and the newly constructed Kromm’s Court, with 10 luxurious suites clustered around yet another sparkling pool. New additions include the contemporary but intimate De Camdeboo Restaurant, where guests can delight in the superb cuisine offered by executive chef Justin Pillay. Service is provided by graduates and students from the South African College of Tourism, established in GraaffReinet by Dr Anton Rupert as part of his Peace Parks Foundation, while the Africology Spa uses strictly indigenous ingredients such as aloe, rooibos, marula and African potato in its luxurious treatments. It is details like this that are proof of the Drostdy’s commitment to the community, as is the alluring, contemporary art gallery featuring works only by South African artists. The thing about the Drostdy is that it is nearly impossible to tear yourself away: an overnight stop could simply never do justice to this seductive, luxurious country hotel, never mind Graaff-Reinet itself. And it is this changing appreciation of the Karoo as a worthy destination in its own right – offering every creature comfort, excellent cuisine, fascinating heritage sites, largely unspoilt architecture, bric-à-brac shops, expansive nature reserves and astounding geology – that is ensuring that this oasis in the Karoo is on every savvy traveller’s bucket list. Drostdy Hotel 021 427 5900, newmarkhotels.com The Africology Spa at The Drostdy, housed in a perfectly preserved Victorian building, overlooks newly planted courtyards that form part of the garden designed by landscape architect Jan Blok

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DESTINATION UNCOVERED

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Stephen Falcke’s luxurious country-style interiors evoke a bygone colonial era; despite being a contemporary addition, the dining room offers timeless comfort and intimacy; the main swimming pool is an essential during the Karoo’s baking-hot summer months; taste an impressive range of superb wines in the Drostdy’s sleek new wine room with its Tom Dixon pendant lamps

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A burst of cobalt blue adds contemporary freshness in this drawing room; the new Imibala Art Gallery showcases works by South African artists; the cottages in Stretch’s Court have been faithfully restored, right down to replicating the original paint colours; the exterior facade of the Drostdy Hotel is untouched by time OPPOSITE Old and new are in perfect harmony at the Drostdy Hotel, where heritage buildings have been sensitively restored to their former glory, while the interiors – such as those in the tranquil library – have been given a lavish yet entirely fitting colonial-style revamp, with antique treasures sitting alongside opulently upholstered armchairs and sofas

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‘The Drostdy Hotel, with its art gallery and the wine room, has added a new refined element to raaff einet’ – David McNaughton, tour guide and estate agent

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IN THE ZONE ‘Graaff-Reinet is on the verge of something big,’ says Seeff estate agent David McNaughton (who moonlights as one of the region’s best-respected tour guides). ‘Years ago, when Stephen Falcke had just bought a house here, he told me, “What you need is a critical mass of in uential people to invest and then you ﬁnd others tend to follow.” Truer words couldn’t have been spoken. In the last 10 years the Ruperts in particular have invested a lot in the Drostdy Hotel and their own game-breeding farms, and Gaynor Rupert raises all her racehorse yearlings in the district. Other illustrious property owners include GT Ferreira, Princess Irene of The Netherlands and Christian Birkenstock. Increased demand for residential properties is clear: a year ago there were 114 residential properties on the market, today there are ust . nly ﬁve of agricultural properties are still on the market. Growth is enhanced by Graaff-Reinet’s good infrastructure, pushed along by tourism and the fact that it’s an attractive town.’ There are three private medical practices, two optometrists and two dentists. Junior and senior schools include both Union and Volkskool. While Montego Pet Nutrition is the town’s biggest employer, the massive growth of hunting in the Eastern Cape means that one of the two biggest taxidermy businesses in SA is in Graaff-Reinet.’ David McNaughton, Seeff 049 892 2581

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DESTINATION UNCOVERED

Don’t miss besa ursery, the world’s biggest cactus nursery, which is home to about species of plants the awe inspiring cactus labyrinth is a must do

THIS PAGE A visit to the world’s largest cactus nursery is a memorable experience made even more so if you take the time to wind your way around the cactus labyrinth OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Enjoy haunting views from the look-out point at the Valley of Desolation; the impressive Dutch Reformed Church was modelled on Salisbury Cathedral; this ochre wall is one of the last remaining examples of the original plasters; sash windows and shutters are typical of the Cape Dutch vernacular

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creative spaces

Photographs Elsa Young, Lar Photography

HOW SOUTH AFRICA’S INSPIRED AND CREATIVE THINKERS LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

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WORK

+ LIVE + PLAY

The new home of commercial real-estate consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle at The Firs in Rosebank is everything you ould no e pe ro orpor e o e sp e Compiled by Genevieve Putter Photographs Elsa Young

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WORKING IT

or a company that not only deals with tenant-occupier management but also the design and investment of corporate real estate, having an office space that showcases a niche-market creative approach was imperative. Craig Hean, MD of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), tells us why the space, which was created with the help of wellknown interior-design company Head Interiors, re ects on the core values of his business e moved into our new offices in he irs in Rosebank in July last year, driven by the need for a larger space, more parking and better access to public transport (especially the Gautrain) and hotels for our international clients and colleagues. We also wanted our staff to be able to work in an environment that gave them convenient access to amenities like shops, restaurants and gyms, offering them the opportunity to live, work and play in one area. eing able to escape the office for five minutes to get a cup of coffee, pick up your groceries or grab a uick bite at a wide selection of restaurants without having to ump in your car is really handy. It also increases employee productivity as they end up wanting to spend more time at the office. We started with a shell – only standard lighting, air-con and a ceiling grid – and had to build everything up from there. Head Interiors was so much more than ust the interior consultant on this ob. I think, by the end of it, the team was probably sick of how many variations we made to the plan. Our brief to the then pro ect leader, mma uyt, was an unusual one design an office that allows people to collaborate, concentrate, learn and socialise, maximising productivity and employee

engagement, where no one has his or her own desk. From the outset, Emma and her team tackled the pro ect head on, and the planning phases even involved a trip to a Stockholm company to better understand the activitybased concept and how it works in practice. wenty five revisions later, we had our plan and then the real work started. The space can best be described as an activity-based work environment that allows our staff to move freely between various work zones. It recognises that on any one workday, people do a lot of different things, and studies have shown that the average workday can principally be divided into four main areas of activity: collaborating, concentrating, learning and socialising. raditional offices essentially give their employees only two environments, a desk and a boardroom, but our office has nine different areas, each with its own unique furniture and design, and even with its own set of rules. The overall design is a great advert for our business the uality of the finishes and furnishings, for example, have received many a compliment from our clients. The philosophy behind the design encapsulates much of the advice we give our clients: use every square metre productively, maximise productivity and create a work place that attracts and retains key talent as well as employee engagement. These are all principles that ultimately improve the bottom line. We are in the business of adding value to our clients, and we use our office as a working showroom to demonstrate that real estate doesn’t need to ust be an overhead.’ Jones Lang LaSalle jll.co.za Head Interiors headinteriors.com

‘The move from a traditional o ce to an activity base involved an extensive internal managementprocess change, which Head nteriors was very involved in rom design to final implementation, the company’s execution was exceptional’ – Craig Hean .

ABOVE The reception desk and wall covering are crisp and simple, imparting an immediate sense of professionalism OPPOSITE The client waiting area has two beautiful occasional chairs backdropped by a striking Jeanette Unite artwork that uses minerals from the earth, as does much of her work

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The library area offers a quiet environment where employees can catch up on work that requires intense concentration or even take a few moments out of their day to read a newspaper or book; bar-style seating provides the opportunity for more relaxed client interaction; diner-style booths leading just off the reception area offer a less formal place to host both internal and external meetings OPPOSITE Using hotel-lobby-style seating arrangements as an alternative to more traditional boardroom space is a growing global trend

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WORKING IT

LOCAL HEROES ‘We have so many choices regarding places in which to hang out in Rosebank, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a great location. My favourite way to start the day is with a tall, doubleshot cappuccino and avo on health toast from Motherland Coffee Company (motherlandcoffee.co.za). All the restaurants on the piazza at The Firs are great, especially in summer. It’s hard to beat the menu at Koi (koirest.co.za), so I’ve got to say that is probably top of the list at the moment. It’s a short walk from there to Katzy’s (katzys.co.za), where there’s great jazz in the evening.’ – Craig Hean

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WORKING IT

THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT Who says an office needs walls? Acoustic wings mounted directly onto the ceiling provide a modern alternative to traditional drywall partitions, in this case creating an unobtrusive division between two very different activity zones; Michael Harrison of Head Interiors OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The canteen area offers employees a zone in which they can unwind and relax; the active work area has low screens and no dividers between desks. The design allows for increased collaboration between employees; Emma Luyt, project lead, and Craig Hean, MD at JLL SA

HEADS UP

Michael Harrison of Head Interiors shares some insight into this uni ue pro ect. Q: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES? A: Introducing and getting buy-in for an entirely different way of working was challenging, but it was solved by workshops and keeping all stakeholders informed. Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR USE OF COLOUR? A: The client is young, hard-working and dynamic, and so we wanted to introduce an element of fun with colour, and also to use colour to maximise some tight spaces. Q: WHAT, FOR YOU, IS THE HERO FEATURE OF THE OFFICES? A: The entire space is unique, but I am particularly fond of the pause area and private, informal seating spaces within the ofﬁce environment. Q: AND WHAT ABOUT THE ART AND GRAPHICS? A: There were a lot of walls, so we needed to be careful about quantity and cost of artworks. e wanted original South African art in strategic areas, like the reception area, which is where we hung a striking Jeanette Unite piece that actually uses minerals from the earth. Colourful graphics were chosen elsewhere, where framing and scale were important. These were generally sourced from Head Interiors’ own stock.

www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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FEBRUARY 2015

2015/01/19 2:08 PM

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CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R179-MILLION

LH335

Set amid park-like grounds of ±7 500m2, the famous Enigma mansion offers a movie-star lifestyle and the best ocean views in Camps Bay. The main house features four reception halls, an exquisite master suite with his and hers bathrooms opening onto a terrace, and a massage room, gym, sauna and hi-tech cinema. There’s also a garden cottage, a staff cottage, a winter garden, a tea house and formidable security. Offers from R150-million. Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms 9 Garages 6 Living Areas 3 Thelma Sandeman +27 (0)83 225 9360 thelma@sothebysrealty.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 612472

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SANDHURST, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R48-MILLION

LH336

A striking home featuring soaring ceilings, abundant natural light and a gracious 20-seater dining room. The grand double-volume entrance hall leads to the formal lounge and family room. A gym, heated pool, wraparound patio, kitchen with breakfast nook, double staff accommodation and a magnificent guest cottage round out this exceptional property. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 3 Living Areas 4 Daniella Apteker +27 (0)82 412 1273 Di Kuhlenthal +27 (0)82 960 5353 Mary Fourie +27 (0)82 779 1492 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 1057226

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BEDFORDVIEW, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R13,9-MILLION

LH337

Sophisticated, sunny and sexy, this entertainer’s delight features a study, fitted pub, wine cellar, gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry and scullery, landscaped garden and pool, formal lounge and family room, home office and domestic accommodation. The many extras include surround sound, under-floor heating, aircon and generator. It is conveniently close to shopping centres and schools and has easy access to all major highways. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Tanya Sakota +27 (0)82 553 7099 Natasha Tasovac +27 (0)73 369 1042 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 999193

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HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R16,9-MILLION

LH338

This designer home by Enrico Daffonchio consists of a bedroom wing and a living wing, both of which open out to a beautiful garden with eco-friendly pool. It features an open-plan lounge/ dining room, wet and dry kitchens, double staff accommodation and a 16m-long floor-to-ceiling motorised frameless glass sliding door that turns the living area into a covered patio. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Daniella Apteker +27 (0)82 412 1273 Di Kuhlenthal +27 (0)82 960 5353 Mary Fourie +27 (0)82 779 1492 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 1047018

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CONSTANTIA UPPER, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R24,9-MILLION

LH339

There are fabulous spaces for the family to enjoy in this elegant, architect-designed home. The entertainer will enjoy the openplan gourmet kitchen with its Miele and Gaggenau appliances. There is an easy flow to the dining and informal lounges with gas fireplace and study, plus a formal private lounge and a second study. Staff accommodation, top security and many more features make this an outstanding, desirable home. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Sally Gracie +27 (0)83 459 9523 sally@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref 3245273

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HERMANUS, HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R11,35-MILLION

LH340

This private estate is divided into just five shares, set on 4,3ha of parkland through which the Onrus River runs. The main house and guest cottage face north, offering sweeping views of meadows, wetlands, the river, orchards, vineyards and the Babylonstoren mountain range. The property includes a separate housekeeper’s flat. The estate is blessed not only with pure borehole water but also with irrigation water from the river. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 2 Living Areas 4 Paulette van den Bosch +27 (0)82 349 8265 paulette.vdb@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref 3246409

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DAINFERN, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12-MILLION

LH341

Demonstrating superb quality throughout, this completely renovated home on a large 1 176m2 stand in a quiet cul-de-sac offers a host of modern lifestyle extras, including a music room, home theatre and evaporative cooling system, as well as a bar, gym, pyjama lounge, four reception rooms, laundry and domestic accommodation. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 2 Sue Ralph +27 (0)82 892 8772 sue.ralph@pamgolding.co.za Brenda Gilbert +27 (0)83 251 4452 brenda.gilbert@pamgolding.co.za www.pamgolding.co.za web ref FW1201414

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HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R15,2-MILLION

LH342

Set in a magnificently manicured and established garden, this secure, north-facing cluster home offers extensive accommodation with excellent finishes. A study, built-in bar, swimming pool, entertainer’s dream patio and staff suite complete the package. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 5 Louis Green +27 (0)82 820 3040 louis.green@pamgolding.co.za Lisa Daly +27 (0)82 450 6594 lisa.daly@pamgolding.co.za www.pamgolding.co.za web ref HP1195675

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LINKSFIELD, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12,990-MILLION

LH343

This bright, spacious family home offers five en-suite bedrooms and an exceptional living space leading onto the most wonderful entertainment area, garden and pool. Close to schools, the grounds of some 3 000m2 can be subdivided. Security, a double staff suite and three additional carports add to the appeal. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Hilton Steinfield +27 (0)82 455 8630 hilton@firzt.co.za Lourayne Hersch +27 (0)82 780 0253 lourayne@firzt.co.za www.firzt.co.za web ref 14833

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INANDA, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R15-MILLION

LH344

Set in a corner of a beautiful Georgian complex, this enchanting cluster promises stress-free living. The kitchen is custom designed for effortless entertaining and leads to three reception rooms and a bar area. The formal lounge and family room both flow to two covered patios and the swimming pool. The home offers ample parking, security and staff accommodation. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Jayke Meneses +27 (0)74 117 6273 jayke@firzt.co.za Inez Meneses +27 (0)79 911 7191 inez@firzt.co.za www.firzt.co.za web ref 16013

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SAXONWOLD, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R20-MILLION

LH345

The French Consul General’s former residence is perfect as a corporate head office. Extensively refurbished, sensitively restored and extended, this versatile property would also be ideal for a professional practice, an art gallery/consultancy or as a venue for exclusive events or special functions. Features include beautiful interleading rooms, a spacious auditorium, nine offices and an interactive Masterchef-style kitchen/dining room. Offices 9 Bathrooms 2 Parking 50 Receptions 5 Dee Scholtz +27 (0)83 458 3660 Helen Tomazos +27 (0)83 616 0152 www.ennikestates.co.za web ref EN01-0316

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HURLINGHAM, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R14,9-MILLION

LH346

Immaculate, with views of its prize-winning garden from every room, this home has it all – large reception rooms, study, fabulous wooden pool deck with built-in braai for outdoor entertaining, state-of-the-art security (including guardhouse), double domestic accommodation, storerooms, sprinkler system, its own generator, skylights, aircon, under-floor heating, surround-sound piped and a separate one-bedroom flatlet. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Stephen Brick +27 (0)82 551 7971 Nina Obel +27 (0)82 552 7325 www.vered.co.za web ref 112248

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ATHOLL, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12,5-MILLION

LH347

In a sought-after estate of three beautiful residences, and with the finest craftsmanship evident throughout, this modern, architectdesigned home includes a pyjama lounge and a guest wing with private lounge. The main suite has a vaulted ceiling, Hansgrohe fittings in the bathroom and his and hers dressing rooms off a Juliet balcony. Security includes an alarm, CCTV and intercom. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Denise Farber +27 (0)82 558 5154 denise@russellfisher.co.za www.russellfisher.co.za web ref 226

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HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R13,9-MILLION

LH348

Beautifully appointed and exquisitely finished, this home has so much to offer, such as imported light fittings (including Swarovski crystal), Anthropologie wallpaper and lots more. There is a poolside entertainment area with billiard room, two lounges and a fully fitted bar, as well as a tennis court, pool, borehole and a self-contained cottage with its own entrance, all on 3 965m2. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 3 Living Areas 5 George Papadopoulos +27 (0)84 454 1834 Corinna Lowry +27 (0)82 652 8891 ww.seeff.com web ref 336792

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UPPER CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R24,9-MILLION

LH349

High ceilings, double-volume doorways, bay windows, fireplaces, chandeliers, gleaming wooden floors and travertine finishes throughout define this regal home in the Cape winelands. The five opulent reception areas are idea for entertaining. The dining room leads onto an elegant formal lounge, while the classical master suite flows out onto a private patio featuring magnificent mountain views. Four luxurious bedroom suites with lovely views, as well as state-of-the-art security, a wine cellar, ample parking, irrigation system and borehole and a staff flatlet, are just some of the extras that make this home the epitome of style and sophistication. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 5 Gregory Kruyer +27 (0)71 477 0434 gregory@jawitz.co.za Charne Shipper +27 (0)83 274 6336 charne@jawitz.co.za www.jawitz.co.za web ref 86292

FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R10,95-MILLION

LH350

This dazzling 380m2 contemporary lock-up-and-go in coveted Fresnaye is distinguished by clean architectural lines and spacious living areas. Enjoy the generous flow of space from the open-plan lounge/dining room, family room and kitchen to the entertainer’s undercover patio, braai area and pool, from where you can take in the sublime mountain views. The main en suite features its own dressing rooms. Aircon and under-floor heating will keep you comfortable all year round, and the robust security system will keep you safe. This must-view home also includes a separate study and staff quarters. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 Living Areas 2 Glenn Goldberg +27 (0)83 658 3427 glenng@jawitz.co.za Stacey Janit +27 (0)76 337 4888 stacey@jawitz.co.za Sandra Scher +27 (0)83 456 2737 sandras@jawitz.co.za www.jawitz.co.za web ref 86441

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ATHOLL, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R14,9-MILLION

LH351

This contemporary cluster offers a lifestyle of sleek sophistication. On the lower level, an impressive kitchen and three open-plan reception rooms lead to an entertainer’s patio, private garden and pool. On the upper level you will find the bedrooms and a study on the mezzanine level above the entrance hall. Extras include double staff accommodation and garaging. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4,5 Garages 2 Living Areas 3 Joan Mendelsohn +27 (0)83 267 3124 joan@jawitz.co.za Lynne Baker +27 (0)82 493 1006 lynneb@jawitz.co.za www.jawitz.co.za web ref 85702

SANDHURST, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R38-MILLION

LH352

A palatial family home that exudes grandeur, grace and elegance while remaining warm and inviting, it is set on 4 081m2 and features a beautifully manicured garden with sparkling pool, all-weather tennis court and entertainment pavilion. Great flow and superior finishes throughout, from the chef ’s kitchen to the three living areas and sumptuous bathrooms, are a hallmark of this home, a jewel in the Sandhurst crown. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Peter A Gowans +27 (0)83 254 0370 peterg@jawitz.co.za www.jawitz.co.za web ref 77231

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LOCHVAAL, VANDERBIJLPARK, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R30-MILLION

LH334

Perfect for the extended family or as a boutique hotel, this elegant plantation-style gem with porte-cochere and lake views will take your breath away. The property is ±79 197m2 in extent, supporting the main house, guest cottage, twobedroom manager’s cottage and staff quarters, for a total 850m2 under roof. There is plenty to enjoy – a thatched riverside gazebo, stables and paddocks, a heated pool and a duck pond, not to mention an outdoor kitchen and plenty of outdoor dining and entertaining spaces. Good taste prevails throughout this well-maintained, fully furnished property. The main house boasts an open-plan entrance, lounge, dining room and stylish, well-appointed dream kitchen, as well as four en-suites, one with its own steam room. The guest cottage has one large en-suite bedroom and a spacious open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. All rooms lead out to gracious undercover entertainment areas. It’s the country lifestyle you always dreamt of. Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 7 Garages 3 Living Areas 6 Barbara Fluxman +27 (0)83 578 5963 barbara@ahprop.co.za www.ahprop.co.za web ref ADHS-1335

HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12-MILLION

LH353

Ideally situated close to Rosebank and Saxonwold, this ±3 866m2 plot has been subdivided into three residential portions and would suit the large family looking to build two additional dream homes. The existing large doublestorey home on the property is in excellent condition. On ground level the marble entrance hall leads to a spacious lounge, dining room and family room with bar. There is a guest cloakroom too. The upper level features a spacious main en suite, two bedrooms and study/fourth bedroom with balcony overlooking the garden. The garden cottage/work-from-home office attached to the house has its own entrance leading to two bedrooms (one en suite) as well as a Jacuzzi, sauna and kitchenette. Plus a lush and expansive garden with pool and tennis court . Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 2 Living Areas 2 Rona Sacks +27 (0)71 562 0237 rona@ahprop.co.za www.ahprop.co.za web ref ADHS-1475

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MORNINGSIDE, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12-MILLION

LH354

A stunning, spacious cluster set in a boomed road in a secure, sought-after estate in Sandton. The voluminous entrance hall flows to a formal lounge, dining room and family lounge that spills over onto the entertainer’s covered patio, while the solid-wood staircase leads to the bedrooms upstairs, including an indulgent main en suite with private lounge/study. Included are a gourmet kitchen with scullery and pantry, double staff accommodation and a feature heated pool with decking in the level landscaped garden. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3,5 Garages 2 Living Areas 4 Peter Stroobach +27 (0)83 257 2374 Julie Rabins +27 (0)82 574 5880 www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3239343

BRYANSTON, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R10,6-MILLION

LH355

This light-filled contemporary cluster in an exclusive guarded estate features surround sound, fitted designer units and so much more. Three spacious and elegant reception rooms flow to the covered patio and open deck with rim-flow pool in a professionally landscaped indigenous garden. The gourmet kitchen with integrated appliances and breakfast bar is a chef ’s delight, and the spacious luxury bedroom suites will make it a joy to simply relax at home. Staff suite included. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4,5 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Pauline Cribb +27 (0)82 573 6322 www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3241568

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WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R28-MILLION

LH356

This very special penthouse in one of the most soughtafter V&A Waterfront apartment blocks is an investment opportunity not to be missed. All on one level, with direct lift access, and a huge wraparound entertainment balcony, it is a must-view. Facing onto the marina and the canal, the 340m2 unit features aircon, 24-hour security, spacious double-volume living areas and excellent finishes throughout, and includes access to a swimming pool. Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Parking 3 Living areas 1 Gail Gavrill +27 (0)82 777 6000 www.knightfrank.co.za web ref ZA3225735

CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R12,5-MILLION

LH357

Truly impeccable in design and finish, this open-plan apartment would not be out of place in any major city in the world. Comprising 120m2 of pure elegance, replete with the finest furniture and fittings, it is ideal for the occasional commuter to Cape Town or a couple accustomed to the finer things in life. Situated in Eventide, the ultimate Clifton apartment address, the apartment offers direct beach access, a communal swimming pool, car-lift convenience, 24-hour concierge and security. Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 1 Living areas 1 Gail Gavrill +27 (0)82 777 6000 www.knightfrank.co.za web ref ZA3238864

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STARTING FROM

R1,299,000

incl. VAT

The prestigious Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate has expanded its opportunities to enhance its overall master plan, which includes a luxury hotel. The Pearl Valley Hotel will be a luxury five-star hotel situated on the Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate. The hotel will consist of 80 bedrooms, split into 10 freestanding double-storey buildings to maximise picturesque views over the greens, water features and surrounding mountains. Hotel rooms will be a combination of single and double suites, fully furnished, all costs included. The hotel will have a dedicated restaurant, bar and pool and will provide guests with access to the Pearl Valley Club House and associated facilities and amenities. The hotel will be operated by the Mantis Group, and will be situated adjacent to a new conference centre, thereby maximising the earning potential and ensuring a product that captures both the leisure and business sectors of the market.

PEARL VALLEY HOTEL

Return on Investment Benefits Contact: Thys 083 452 4774 sales@pearlvalleyhotel.com www.pearlvalleyhotel.com

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Full sectional-title ownership Co-ownership of a Mantis five-star hotel in the Winelands Income generated from your suite is managed on your behalf Flexible usage according to your holiday needs Golf membership at this leading Jack Nicklaus signature golf course Free membership to the Mantis loyalty programme

Some things get better with age. We like to think we’re one of them.

WHERE

Chas_RE_Ad_FA.indd 1

E VERITT

–

IT ’ S SOLD

2015/01/23 11:57 AM

generation ago we started a small family business to sell people homes. Not houses, homes. Thirty-five years later, we’ve grown into an international property group, and have partnered with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World to showcase our luxury portfolio to the world. We now have offices in 263 towns around South Africa, but our emphasis remains the same: we’re here to help you find your home. We still live by the same family values and commitment to traditional good business that spurred us on in 1980 – we’ve just grown that family.

WWW .C HAS E VERITT . CO . ZA

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spotlight on…

SOMERSET WEST SOMERSET WEST IS EXPERIENCING A WAVE D M ,M I D SI R A R A AR AR I R AR A A D A AD A A I S A RA D RS

Text Andrea Vinassa Photographs iStock, supplied

here can be few architectural styles that fulﬁl country living aspirations more than a ape vernacular home, says am olding roperties area manager for the elderberg region, ouise arga, who adds that this style of home, which combines elements of ape Dutch, ictorian and eorgian styles, is popular among

R V RESIDENT’S VIEW

family buyers in Somerset est, who aspire to gracious living in a distinctive historic setting. Situated under elderberg mountain and in a bowl formed by the dramatic ottentots olland mountain range, ust minutes from ape own and minutes from the beach, Somerset est is sought after by families seeking to en oy country style living but with access to every urban

Michelle van der Merwe, owner of Healthjar Sports Massage (healthjar.co.za) I spend most of my days and evenings at my studio, which is on a farm. his is the inelands, so technically, Somerset est is classiﬁed as the oland . e love the tran uillity here. It feels like you are on a permanent holiday it feeds the soul. he residents are rela ed, friendly and humble. Interactions are more personal and people take care of one another. eople are very active and like the outdoors, but don’t think that we don’t work hard. ife is full of rural pleasures, but we also have the urban pressures of work, deadlines and sitting behind a desk.’

RE_076_077_Feb2015_Spotlight_S-West_FINAL.indd 78

convenience and amenity. his area has several security estates, which allow owners to simply lock up and go, with e clusive properties in rinvale olf state and el Aire inelands state proving especially popular. Somerset est was first established on a part of the farm ergelegen, which has vineyards dating back to . hese glorious hills and valleys provide the historic backdrop for a life filled with cultural and natural treasures. According to Don ooth, managing director at ergelegen, Somerset est was founded in , and ergelegen’s legendary garden and year old camphor trees are preserved for the benefit of the growing population and neighbouring communities.’ he town also has an impressive academic pedigree. Says arga, here is a very proud sporting and academic tradition in the elderberg area, and many of these schools regularly achieve top matric results, as well as seeing a number of pupils go on to play provincial or national level sport.’

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Accessed via a lavender-edged pathway, this Somerset West wine-estate farmhouse is backdropped by the towering Hottentots Holland mountain range; this four-bedroom Erinvale home set on the edge of a greenbelt and the fairway – on the market for R7,6 million through Pam Golding Properties (ref. SW1177436, pamgolding.co.za) – has breathtaking views of its gorgeous natural surroundings

2015/01/15 10:53 AM

Who’s buying and what are they paying? here is a strong demand for properties in gated estates, says Steve aradoc Davies of arcourts latinum, elderberg. his demand stretches right across all price ranges, from two bedroom townhouses at R through to lu urious homes in estates we market from R million to R million, such as the ust launched hispering oods. e’ve noticed strong interest in illowbrooke state, consisting of only ﬁve e clusive, lu urious homes nestling on the ourens River and selling at R , million.’ According to aradoc Davies there is strong demand from up country buyers who are changing their lifestyles and relocating their families to the ape while they commute to auteng for work. Most buyer interest is in the R , million to R , million price range. e’re e periencing record sales in these price ranges in estates like elderhof ountry illage, Silver o and lue rane.’ Somerset West is a smorgasbord of new developments, most of them taking full advantage of the glorious natural settings that the elderberg has in abundance. Somerset est offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a village appeal,’ says Ricci Marais, ew effen Sotheby’s International Realty Sales Manager, elderberg. ou can hike in the elderberg ature Reserve, go wine tasting at any one of the many wine farms, yet you have access to high uality medical care, which includes the eart nit at ergelegen Medi linic, and A grade shopping centres.’ Marais agrees that buyers are choosing the security of gated estates, but Somerset est’s architects and developers are attempting to replicate a country ambience within the borders of these villages. ew estates such as Sitari ountry state, Somerset akes, airhaven ountry state and he Somerset ifestyle and Retirement illage are making waves at the moment. Somerset akes features si hectares of pristine lakes and water features, hectares of indigenous landscaping and mature forest, and km of mountain biking and running trails,

with a price tag of R , million for a freestanding house. airhaven ountry state overlooks the magniﬁcent mountain ranges of the elderberg and offers panoramic views of alse ay and the vineyards. acant land starts at R and is selling fast. Sitari ountry state offers residential lu ury apartments, completed village homes and country homes, with vacant plots starting at R , all set in an authentic farm style setting with orchards and olive groves, creating a truly rural lifestyle for its residents.

DRI

A , A DS

ou are spoilt for choice on he elderberg ine Route, which boasts over wine estates, each offering a uni ue e perience. he top estates are Vergelegen vergelegen.co. a and Lourensford lourensford.co. a , both of which have award winning restaurants, while Morgenster morgenster.co. a is a wine and olive farm. Waterford Wine Estate’s waterford. co. a signature restaurant is housed in a dramatic glass promontory, e tending from the chic wine tasting lounge and gravitational cellar. Cavalli Wine and Stud Farm cavallistud.com is another destination estate. or a sumptuous dining e perience honouring the region’s cultural roots, there is Erinvale Estate’s Seventeen07 erinvale. co. a restaurants seventeen . onvenience stores abound in Somerset Mall somersetmall.co. a and Waterstone Village waterstonevillage.co. a , while a new fresh produce and gourmet market has been launched at Lourensford Estate capemarkets.co. a .

SOMERSET WEST AT A GLANCE n R2,348 MILLION Average freehold sales price

n R1,199 MILLION Average sectional title sales price

n R2,129 MILLION Average estate sales prices

n 477 umber of freehold properties

n 217 umber of sectional title properties

n 438 umber of estate properties Serge Foulon, Managing Director, NH The Lord Charles Hotel

R V

Statistics Lightstone

RESIDENT’S VIEW

I am from russels in elgium and have been living here for si and a half years. I moved here for convenience, to be near my place of work. It is only when my wife and I and our three small children were installed here that we discovered why Somerset est and the elderberg area is so special. It is only a short distance from the city, where we en oy the theatre, a concert and dinner. e are fanatical about eating out and we choose different restaurants to have a variety of e periences. e love the upmarket verture dineatoverture.co. a for special occasions. Somerset est is very kid friendly, and we love arwick ine state warwickwine.com where the whole family can picnic all afternoon on the lawns or in the rench style courtyard. he cycling tracks in Stellenbosch are some of the best in the world. hen I got here I saw people ogging at si in morning and I thought they were completely mad. ow I do it too. At . am ’

n 23,83% Recent buyers aged

n 31,13% Recent buyers aged

n 25,41% Recent buyers aged

n 19,63% Recent buyers aged

or older

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A contemporary four-bedroom house in a private residential security estate on Buchu Close was recently sold by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Realty for R5,5 million (sothebysrealty.co.za); evening view over False Bay towards Gordon’s Bay; priced between R5,9 million and R6,25 million, a few units in Silverwood Close are still available from Pam Golding Properties (ref. SW1187578); this characterful Cape Dutch home – so representative of the vernacular of the area – was recently sold by Pam Golding Properties

www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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R AR

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Tel: 011 234 6545

Fine & Country Sandton, 29 Autumn Street, Rivonia, 2128

UPMARKET, CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT IN BRYANSTON EAST

BRYANSTON EAST | SANDTON | GAUTENG : R3 700 000 12 Upmarket off plan clusters in a prime position of Bryanston are getting launched early in the new year. Competitively priced from R3.7 million, modern design and high walls for a secure lock-up-and-go lifestyle. Individually designed homes to fit each and every stand. Three or Four en-suite bedrooms, study, staff quarters or guest suite, you decide. For more information or to set up an appointment to view, contact Mark Mitchley 083 656 4774 | markm@fineandcountry.com

WEB REF: 127929

fineandcountry.com

BUYING IN SHANGHAI A I R D MA I

I A IA R S A AI AS R D M AS R S AS M R A I R A S A R M R A

RMS, RA I

Text Anne Schauffer Photographs iStock, supplied

THIS PICTURE A blend of East and West, sophistication and tradition, life in Shanghai starts with The Bund and the Huangpu River BELOW One of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai, The Bund (meaning ‘embankment’) is lined with major banks, trading houses and consulates

USEFUL CONTACTS Chinese Embassy Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa Zhu Shanghai Consulate General southafricavac-cn.com Asia Pacific Properties Pty asiapaciﬁcproperties.com Savills Residential Sales savills.com Colliers International colliers.com

he largest city by population in China, the largest city proper by population in the world, a global ﬁnancial centre and home to the world’s biggest container port, Shanghai can well be tagged the pulse of the Orient. Things happen there. People want to be there. And the city itself, a showpiece of the booming economy of mainland China, offers a unique blend of cultures – modern, traditional, Western, Oriental, sophisticated, fast and slick, it’s a place where innumerable international companies jostle for space at the cutting edge of global economics. Situated where the mouth of the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea, Shanghai has plenty on the go. From historical landmarks, such as he und, ity od emple and u arden to the breathtaking skyline, the riental Pearl TV Tower, the largest metro network in the world and the Maglev magnetic railway that travels at speeds of km h , Shanghai is a spectacle in itself, a glamorous, cosmopolitan and colourful experience that stretches over km2 and embraces a population close on million people. And being there is easy too. The city’s willingness to attract international business and its adaptive spirit combine with low crime levels, a wide choice of international schools, a huge expat population, and, ranked the 26th most expensive city in the world, an economy that isn’t too outrageous for a ma or cosmopolitan centre.

Getting there aining entry to the country is a little more complicated for South Africans, as Chinese visa regulations are subject to change at short notice and are notoriously difﬁcult to navigate. Regulations and procedures regarding work and residence permits differ also, depending on each individual city’s immigration and labour processes. The good news, however, is that there are many agencies, including real-estate agencies that ably handle the entire process for clients – a boon when your Mandarin may be a little thin. Standard requirements for work and residence in China include: Expats need to acquire a Z Visa before arriving. Holders of the Z Visa must enter the country within 90 days after the visa has been issued. A work permit has to be sponsored by a locally registered company in hina. Expats need to live and work in the same location as their sponsoring company. A medical examination is required. ithin hours of arriving in hina, e pats have to complete a temporary residence form and need to apply for a working foreigner’s residence permit within days. The residence permit allows expats to live legally in the country and is generally valid for up to a year.

FEBRUARY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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For expats wanting to invest in Shanghai, there remain catches… By law, expat buyers cannot rent out properties they qualify to purchase unless they apply to start a foreign company and register the property for commercial purposes Staying there A vast and varied assortment of accommodation comes hand-in-hand with the immigration services offered by real-estate agencies, but immediately it’s obvious that the vast majority of expats in Shanghai rent properties. In fact, despite the Chinese belief in property investment, many of the residents of Shanghai rent, too. he reason, in short, is that with million buying you ust , m2 of prime residential property in Shanghai, it’s simply too expensive, a fact with which authorities tinker. he residential markets in China are tightly controlled by the government, restricting demand when the market overheats and supporting demand when the market cools,’ says race ang of Savills. ith transaction volumes in many cities now down on average to year on year, the government has started loosening restrictions on a piecemeal basis, afraid that anything too dramatic might lead to an exacerbation of the imbalances that have already appeared in the market. Banks’ exposure to the residential market remains limited, with down payments on ﬁrst properties

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in e cess of , second homes re uiring down payments, and no financing available for subsequent purchases. Key concerns remain oversupply, developer gearing and affordability.’ n September ,’ publishes Colliers Shanghai Residential Research and Forecast Report , he eople’s ank of hina announced a set of new measures to ease existing mortgage conditions, the most significant being a rela ation in mortgage terms for second-home purchasers who have fully repaid previous mortgage loans. ualified second-home purchasers will now have the same mortgage benefits as first time home purchasers, which include a minimum down payment re uirement down from to and a mortgage interest rate as low as , times the current benchmark interest rate. This policy is expected to stimulate demand and provide a boost to the overall residential real-estate market. The drop in transactions during this quarter is expected to trigger greater price incentives to stimulate the market demand. Further discounts by developers are anticipated, as they attempt to capitalise on the remaining sales season in October coupled with the newly released policy.’

With many investors adopting what Colliers describes as a wait and see’ attitude in anticipation of further discounts, the younger generation still cannot afford to buy property without the assistance of their parents, says Rita oon of Asia aciﬁc roperties oining the plethora of luxurious new developments, many of the properties available for rent are second-hand properties that owners ﬁnd they cannot sell.’ For expats wanting to invest in Shanghai, there remain further catches. They must have lived in China and held a residence permit for at least a year in order to qualify to purchase property here. Also, by law only they are able to live in the property, meaning it cannot be rented out unless the buyer applies to start a foreign company and registers the property for commercial purposes. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWORK FROM LEFT No. 8 Park Avenue in Jing’an District offers 115m2 to 300m2 units from m2, available through Savills; apartments in the Peninsula Shanghai Waitan otel in he und start at m2, Savills; the gardens and open spaces of Shanghai are reflected in da ling office blocks; ane , also in ing an, features three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments from m2, also through Savills

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DREAM HOME

I WANT TO LIVE ON THE…

CÔTE D’AZUR ).

Text Jocelyn Warrington Photograph Supplied

Situated on a lush hillside in two-and-a-half acres of landscaped gardens, with breathtaking views over the sea towards Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this classic villa has been renovated to the very highest modern standards, yet still retains its original Belle Époque features. The 800m2 of living space includes six bedroom suites, spacious dining and reception areas, and a fully equipped a Cornue kitchen, while the grounds boast an infinity pool and hammam, a private lake stocked with koi and an entertainment terrace accessed via its own funicular. he property is on the market for , million through ine Country (cannes.fineandcountry.fr; ref. -

FEBRUARY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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